Vignola honored for his push to put solar energy into public buildings

Frank Vignola, director of the University of Oregon’s Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory, received the inaugural Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association’s “Legacy Award” announced Friday, Sept. 14, during the Northwest Solar Expo 2007 in Portland.

“Frank was chosen for his tireless efforts toward the passage of Solar Energy on Public Buildings, HB-2620, which will restart the incorporation of solar design considerations into our buildings,” said Jon Miller, executive director of the association. “Frank has been working on solar issues for over 25 years, so it was really nice to choose him as the first person to win the award and recognize the work he has done for furthering solar energy in Oregon.”

House Bill 2620, introduced by State Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, was signed into law by the governor in June and takes effect Jan. 1, 2008. The measure requires state and local government to devote at least 1.5 percent of the cost of constructing a new building or renovating an existing building to solar energy technologies – if the project receives state funds. Passive solar energy investments can meet the requirement if they reduce energy use by at least 20 percent.

Vignola, who joined the UO faculty in 1977, said he was honored by the award. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from the UO. He is a member of the International Solar Energy Society and is a Fellow of the American Solar Energy Society.

OSEIA's Legacy Award will be given annually. It recognizes an individual or entity successfully creating conditions, such as public policy, leading to a positive impact on future generations of Oregonian's.

“From our point of view, the furthering of solar energy initiatives or policy is a major factor in our selection,” Miller said.